Cancer, a formidable adversary that affects millions worldwide, knows no boundaries and can strike anyone at any time. In Singapore, the prevalence of cancer has been steadily rising, posing a significant health and financial challenge for individuals and families alike. While government schemes aim to provide support, the costs associated with cancer treatment can be overwhelming. This has led many to consider the importance of cancer insurance as a crucial financial safety net.
The Cost of Treating Cancer in Singapore
The financial burden of cancer treatment in Singapore is a multifaceted challenge that encompasses medical expenses, loss of income, and various indirect costs. The city-state boasts world-class healthcare facilities, cutting-edge medical technology, and a skilled healthcare workforce. However, these advancements come at a considerable cost.
Cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes, targeted therapies or immunotherapy. The expenses associated with these treatments can be exorbitant, with medical bills easily running into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, the prolonged nature of cancer treatment may lead to a loss of income as patients or their caregivers may need to take time off work.
The treatment for cancer is costly, especially when it is administered over a long period of time.
Non-medical expenses should also be taken into account:
- Possible loss of income if you are unable to work for a few months to a few years while receiving treatment and recovering
- If the patient is the primary caregiver and homemaker for the family, then hiring domestic help is necessary for household chores.
For this reason, having cancer insurance is a wise decision.
Government Schemes
Singapore has a robust healthcare system, and the government provides several schemes to help individuals cope with the financial strain of medical expenses. The MediSave scheme allows Singaporeans to use their Medisave accounts to cover hospitalization and selected outpatient treatments, including cancer treatment. The MediShield Life insurance scheme offers basic health insurance coverage, and the government has introduced additional initiatives like the ElderShield and CareShield Life schemes to provide long-term care support.
While these schemes undoubtedly provide valuable assistance, they may not cover all the costs associated with cancer treatment. The out-of-pocket expenses, coupled with the potential loss of income during treatment, can create a significant financial gap that needs to be addressed.
MediSave and MediShield Life
In government-funded hospitals, Singaporeans are eligible for up to 80% government subsidies. Take note that in order to be eligible for these subsidies, you must choose to stay in a public hospital’s subsidized ward (B2/C).
The first steps toward obtaining financial coverage for cancer and other serious illnesses are MediSave and MediShield Life. But claims from MediSave and MediShield Life have their limitations. These plans also do not cover non-medical expenses.
With more precise claim limits ranging from $200 to $9,600 per month, MediShield Life has begun covering a list of clinically proven and economically viable cancer drug treatments on a Cancer Drug List last September 1, 2022. This aims to better align the insurance with the varying costs associated with cancer drug treatments. Furthermore, it provides $1,200 annually for outpatient cancer drug services.
The Role of Cancer Insurance
Cancer insurance emerges as a crucial component in addressing the financial challenges posed by cancer. Unlike general health insurance, which covers a range of medical conditions, cancer insurance is designed specifically to provide financial protection in the event of a cancer diagnosis.
Key benefits of cancer insurance include:
Financial Security:
Cancer insurance offers a lump sum payout upon diagnosis, providing policyholders with immediate financial support. This lump sum can be used to cover medical expenses, loss of income, and other associated costs.
Flexible Usage:
Unlike some government schemes that have specific restrictions on usage, the payout from cancer insurance can be used at the discretion of the policyholder. This flexibility allows individuals to address their unique financial needs during the challenging period of cancer treatment.
Complementary Coverage:
Cancer insurance can complement existing health insurance plans and government schemes, filling the gaps in coverage and ensuring comprehensive financial protection.
Early-Stage Coverage:
Some cancer insurance policies provide coverage for early-stage cancers, offering a financial safety net even before the disease progresses to an advanced stage.
Conclusion:
While government schemes in Singapore play a vital role in supporting healthcare costs, the rising expenses associated with cancer treatment necessitate additional financial safeguards. Cancer insurance emerges as a worthy consideration, providing individuals and families with a tailored and comprehensive solution to navigate the financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis. As the prevalence of cancer continues to rise, having a robust financial safety net in the form of cancer insurance can offer peace of mind and the assurance that one’s financial well-being is protected in the face of this formidable adversary.